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Ranking the Top 10 Biggest Sporting Events in December 2024

Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs for a touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos during the second half at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn ImagesSep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs for a touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos during the second half at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images

Congratulations! You’ve endured another year—one with a Leap Day, a Summer Olympics and a good old-fashioned U.S. presidential election. 2024 has been a long one.

December rewards us with Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve and a slew of meaningful sporting events to go with it. Without wasting time, let’s get into our ranking of the 10 biggest events of the month. Football—NFL plus college—makes up half this list, but there’s room for basketball and some other novelties.

10. “The Showdown” LIV vs. PGA match, Dec. 17

Brooks Koepka poses with the Wanamaker Trophy on the 18th green following his victory at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club Sunday, May 21, 2023. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES.Brooks Koepka poses with the Wanamaker Trophy on the 18th green following his victory at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club Sunday, May 21, 2023. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES.

This can’t go higher than 10th because it’s an exhibition, and because you have to care about golf’s ongoing civil war to see its meaning. I, personally, am here for it. We get to see ex-rivals and current LIV golfers Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau team up against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy representing the PGA Tour. They’ll play an 18-hole match at Shadow Creek, a legitimately tough course. This is nothing like the hit-and-giggle shows in cozy environments that “The Match” series has turned into.

9. Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers, Dec. 16

Nov 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period, his 1000th NHL point against the Nashville Predators at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn ImagesNov 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period, his 1000th NHL point against the Nashville Predators at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

December is so jam-packed with football that hockey gets the squeeze, and the New Year’s Eve “Winter Classic” between the Blues and Blackhawks just missed the cut for this list. But if you get NHL Network, they’ll be carrying this Stanley Cup Final rematch nationally. The Panthers are very good once again, and the Oilers… well, the Oilers still have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

8. Army vs. Navy Game, Dec. 14

Nov 9, 2024; Denton, Texas, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Bryson Daily (13) carries the ball during warmups before a game against the North Texas Mean Green at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesNov 9, 2024; Denton, Texas, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Bryson Daily (13) carries the ball during warmups before a game against the North Texas Mean Green at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

This game is an institution. It’s on my personal bucket list. That doesn’t mean it’s always good football. Some years, neither offense can move the ball. This is not one of those years. The quarterback matchup of Navy’s Blake Horvath vs. Army’s Bryson Daily (who have 36 rushing touchdowns between them) is the zenith of a great year for the service academies.

7. Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors, Dec. 25

Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) walks to the bench during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesOct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) walks to the bench during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This year’s Christmas Day schedule looked much better on paper in the preseason than it does now. (Philadelphia at Boston? The Sixers will be basted like a holiday turkey.) But the Warriors and Lakers are both playing well entering the month, and you never know—this could be the last Christmas game LeBron James plays.

6. Auburn at Duke basketball, Dec. 4

Nov 22, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) celebrates a three pointer made during the second half against the Arizona Wildcat at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn ImagesNov 22, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) celebrates a three pointer made during the second half against the Arizona Wildcat at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Not much room for college hoops on this list, but make time for this one on Wednesday. Auburn has a claim as the best team in college basketball—ranked No. 1 on KenPom, with wins over Houston, Iowa State, North Carolina and Memphis, the latter three coming as the Tigers won the Maui Invitational. Next, they go to Cameron Indoor and tangle with Cooper Flagg and the Dukies. Must-see.

5. NBA Cup Championship game, Dec. 17

Dec 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) hoists the NBA Cup and celebrates with teammates after winning the NBA In-Season Tournament Championship game against the Indiana Pacers at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn ImagesDec 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) hoists the NBA Cup and celebrates with teammates after winning the NBA In-Season Tournament Championship game against the Indiana Pacers at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The point of the NBA Cup is for basketball to try to stand out in a football-heavy December landscape, and last year’s inaugural tourney had the draw of the Lakers making the final. Group play isn’t finished yet, but some teams that could make it to Vegas include the Knicks, Bucks and Warriors. Still, everyone has their own opinion of whether the NBA Cup matters or not, so I can’t put this any higher than fifth.

Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington is hoisted into the air after kicking the game winning field goal as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGESOregon kicker Atticus Sappington is hoisted into the air after kicking the game winning field goal as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

It just means more in the SEC, except this year, when every interesting team they have owns three league losses. This has been the Big Ten’s year, from Oregon’s dominance to Indiana’s fairytale run. 

3. Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers, Dec. 25

Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesSep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The NFL has invaded the NBA’s holiday—I’ll never fully be on board with football on a Wednesday. But I can’t pretend I won’t be watching this game. Kansas City and Pittsburgh will be jostling for AFC playoff positioning, and might it be a white Christmas in Western Pennsylvania? On top of that, we all have to tune in to see if Netflix can handle a high-traffic livestream after their Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fiasco.

2. Buffalo Bills at Detriot Lions, Dec. 15

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesOct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Super Bowl preview? Sure feels like it. December appears to have far more interesting NFL matchups in store than November did, and Week 15 alone will also bring us Steelers-Eagles and Packers-Seahawks. They don’t hold a candle to these two red-hot, well-rounded teams. I only wish the game were in freezing Buffalo instead of indoors in the Motor City.

I don’t have enough space here to debate the finer points of the new 12-team playoff format. 

What I know is that a few Fridays from now, history will be made with the first FBS-level playoff game held on a college campus, likely somewhere cold like Columbus, Ohio, or State College, Pa. A tripleheader will follow on Saturday. There’s no promise this particular game will be good, but you’ll be watching, and our brave new world of college football will feel realer than ever.

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Braves put closer Raisel Iglesias on IL, Robert Suarez to close

MLB: Miami Marlins at Atlanta BravesApr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with discomfort in his right (throwing) shoulder.

Iglesias has said he’s felt the discomfort since sleeping on his shoulder wrong Friday night. But the Braves conducted an MRI that found no structural damage.

“There’s some inflammation there,” Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters. “We feel like we’re getting out in front of this thing a little bit.”

Iglesias, 36, has amassed a 42-55 record, 258 saves and a 2.86 ERA in his 12 major league seasons, including four-plus years in Atlanta. He was off to a perfect start to the season, with five saves and no runs allowed over eight games (8 2/3 innings). He’s tossed 11 strikeouts to only one walk.

While Iglesias is sidelined, Robert Suarez will take over closing duties. Suarez led the National League with 40 saves while serving as the San Diego Padres’ closer last season; then he signed a three-year, $45 million deal to join the Braves and their bullpen.

The right-handed Suarez has gone 2-0 with one save and an 0.93 ERA for Atlanta in 10 appearances, used mostly as a setup man. He was an All-Star in 2024 and 2025 for the Padres.

–Field Level Media

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Orlando City want attack to catch up to defense vs. Charlotte

MLS: CF Montreal at Orlando CityMar 14, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda (10) shoots on goal during the second half against the CF Montreal at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando City will be hoping for a much-needed attacking breakthrough on Wednesday night when they host a Charlotte FC side in search of a second consecutive away victory.

Orlando (1-6-1, 4 points) has been one of Major League Soccer’s most disappointing teams this season, costing former manager Oscar Pareja his job last month.

But there is some evidence that maybe the Lions have at least righted the ship defensively. After conceding 23 times in their first six games, interim manager Martin Perelman’s group has allowed only two goals in the last three fixtures across all competitions.

“I think we organize the team. It never is enough, always (important) to improve things,” Perelman said. “We are in that part. Last details. But yes, the structure is there. In the offensive side as well, we are working. Hopefully we can get the shape we want, that we are used to. Because in this club we have been scoring a lot for the last two years.”

So far, though, the attacking end remains pretty dire. After Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic combined for 28 MLS goals a season ago, they only have two apiece for a team with six goals total.

Pasalic also missed last week’s 1-0 home loss to Houston on Saturday night with a leg injury.

Charlotte (4-2-2, 14 points) makes the journey south following a 2-1 victory at New York City FC on Saturday, one that came despite holding a season-low 36% possession.

Defender Tim Ream exited that match at halftime and will miss roughly a week with an adductor strain, Charlotte manager Dean Smith said.

Idan Toklomati scored early in the second half and Kerwin Vargas added a goal late before NYCFC pulled one back in second-half stoppage time. And Charlotte created a similar number of chances to NYCFC despite having less of the ball.

Smith hopes the performance sets the tone for upcoming travels, with Charlotte to play its next three league games away after five of its first eight came at home.

“There’s not plenty of away games we’ve played so far, such is the fixture list,” Smith said. “We didn’t start on the road well, but we showed loads of characteristics that I liked on Saturday. And we need to continue to do that in the next three away games as well.”

–Field Level Media

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Union bring challenged offense north to face streaking Toronto FC

MLS: Austin FC at Toronto FCApr 18, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Malik Henry (78) attempts to control the ball against Austin FC during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Toronto FC will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches when the Philadelphia Union visit on Wednesday.

Toronto (3-2-3, 12 points) is 3-0-3 in its last six outings. Wednesday marks the sixth date of Toronto FC’s nine-match homestand, and the club is unbeaten (4-0-8) in its last 12 home matches dating back to last season.

Despite the good results, midfielder Malik Henry felt his team left victories on the table.

“Some of the draws we’ve had, we feel like we definitely could have won those games, which makes it a bit more disappointing,” Henry told TFC Republic. “We just have to take the points and then continue to move forward with it.”

Walker Zimmerman is expected to be available Wednesday, in a boost to an injury-depleted back line. Zimmerman missed Toronto’s last two matches with a calf injury.

Toronto FC’s offense has been both varied and efficient. Eight Toronto players have at least one goal this season, and the team’s 51.5% accurate shooting percentage is the best in MLS.

The Union are at the other end of the attacking spectrum, with a 27.1% AS percentage that ranks second-last in the league.

Philadelphia (1-6-1, 4 points) has recorded only six goals in eight regular-season matches, ahead of only four-goal D.C. United in MLS.

The lack of offense contributed to the Union’s season-opening six-game losing streak, and goals remain at a premium even as Philadelphia has gone 1-0-1 in its last two matches. The Union outshot D.C. United 17-6 on Saturday and held D.C. without a shot on target, yet still had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Philadelphia coach Bradley Carnell felt that returning to the striker pairing of Bruno Damiani and Ezekiel Alladoh can help unlock the Union’s offense.

“We have tried a lot of different combinations (at forward) and now we go back-to-back with the same,” Carnell said. “Every day we get together with Eze and Bruno working together, it’s … one day more advanced and developed.”

–Field Level Media

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